Branse Burbridge - Nightfighter Ace

Wing Commander 'Branse' Burbridge, highest-scoring RAF nightfighter pilot and Mosquito ace, has passed away at the age of 95.

A deeply religious man throughout his life, he started WWII as a conscientious objector.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2016/11/09/wing-commander-branse-burbridge-rafs-most-successful-night-fight/

 

It is certainly possible that at the time Britain declared war in September 1939 Burbridge declared an intention, when the time came for him to register under the National Service (Armed Forces) Act 1939, to register as a conscientious objector, but a couple of days before the due date, determined according to birth cohort, he volunteered for the RAF, so obviating the requirement to register at all, let alone as a conscientious objector.

The Daily Telegraph is therefore misrepresenting the established facts in claiming that he physically registered as a conscientious objector. It is a myth which developed in his lifetime, and the Telegraph appears determined to perpetuate it into eternity. After all, why let the mere truth get in the way of what seems to make an interesting story?

 

Thanks for that.

 

May he rest in peace , a special thought for him today